Clarendon residents express concerns,
anger over proposed zoning changes

In a meeting, which at times bordered on a shouting match. Clarendon residents turned out to voice their concerns, anger and disappointment with zoning changes proposed by the town board.

The changes would affect the hours that Hanson Aggregates could operate its plant in the town. The public hearing and the changes were proposed as a way for the town to avoid what could be lengthy and expensive litigation with the asphalt and concrete manufacturing company.

"The convoluted public notice is a disgrace to government … and the zoning changes will invite 24 hour use by Hanson," resident Mary Isselhard said. Isselhard and her husband, Al, have been outspoken opponents to Hanson and its operations for many years. "The town needs to conduct an independent assessment to see what the health risks are to residents who have to hear the noise 24 hours a day, seven days a week … also what will the constant vibrations do to our homes."

The Isselhards said quality of life in the town has taken a hit since Hanson moved in. Hanson attorney Kevin Brown said the plant has been in the town since the 1960s. Brown said Hanson commenced the Article 78, not to leverage the town but to assert Hanson's rights. "We challenged the town's changing of its zoning laws," he said. "When we get a litigation notice we have 30 days to respond and that's what we did."

Al Isselhard faulted the town on the loopholes in the proposed zoning changes. "This town is betraying its residents," he said. "Hanson has raped this community while the town has stood by and watched. The Albion town board stood up to Waste Management and defeated them. But the Clarendon board has cast the town to the polluting dogs (Hanson) to save a buck."

Both Isselhards requested responses to the questions they posed to the board during the 15 minutes allotted to each resident to speak. Supervisor Richard Moy reminded them that the meeting was a Public Hearing, not a question and answer session.

Brown said Hanson was discontinuing its asphalt processes at the Clarendon plant because of complaints. The redi-mix concrete plant would remain operational. Brown addressed noise concerns, telling residents that the process was measured at 76 decibels and said that by the time the noise reached the road it was considerably less than highway traffic noise. "As for extended hours within the concrete plant, well, when you start pouring concrete you stay until the job is done," he said. "With the maintenance issues raised, we will have equipment that needs to be fixed so that it can operate during the limited hours of operation we have been allotted."

A Hanson employee spoke up from the back of the room challenging residents to come to the plant and see what goes on there. "I get sick of hearing all of you people complain about the noise when none of you have ever come over to see what goes on," he said. "It's not the monster that you think it is."

Don Welch said the quarry is in an unfortunate location. "Hanson has not been a good neighbor and this is a quality of life issue for the residents," he said. "The board has to deal with this as more than a money issue."

Following an executive session, the board took action and accepted the proposed changes to the zoning laws. The adoption effectively ended pending litigation with Hanson and placed restrictions on its hours of operation.